DOI: njcpt.com.ng/101.1.2.16
Corresponding Author: ABATUR C. Suleiyol
Pharmacy Department, Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria
Email: uadoopolycarpaba2@gmail.com
Abstract
Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a state of chronic hyperglycemia, classically associated with symptoms
of excessive thirst, increased urine volume, and, if severe enough, weight loss. In Africa, Nigeria is the fourth
country with the highest burden of diabetes, with an estimated figure of over 1.7 million people living with the
disease. Some vitamins are effective in the management of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, determining the
knowledge, attitude and practice of out-patient diabetics concerning these vitamins is essential.
Objectives: This study was designed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of adult out-patients diabetics towards
nutritional vitamins in diabetes management.
Methods: A structured questionnaire was shared among selected eighty-eight (88) diabetic patients in the tertiary
institute via a cross-sectional design. The sample size was determined using Cochran's formula. A simple random
sampling technique was used to select the participants on consecutive clinic days. Data analysis was done using
simple percentages, means and Chi-square. The significance level was measured at 95% confidence interval (p
=0.05).
Results: Overall, 83% of the participants knew about nutritional vitamins in managing diabetes. This was
considered high, as shown by a mean value of 3.03 on a scale of four. Despite accepting that nutritional vitamins
were helpful in diabetes management, only 55.7% accepted that they take nutritional vitamins. A vast number
(68.2%) of the participants felt the vitamins were too expensive. Those on them explained that they had
experienced significant changes in their symptoms since the commencement of these nutritional vitamins.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated high knowledge of nutritional supplements among diabetic patients. The
participants showed a positive attitude towards taking diabetic supplements even though the cost was considered
a challenge. The study also revealed the positive effect of nutritional vitamins on improving diabetic symptoms
and the general wellness of diabetic patients. There is a significant relationship between educational qualification
and the level of awareness of nutritional vitamins among people with diabetes (p= 0.017).
Keywords: Nutritional vitamins, diabetes, knowledge, attitude, practice, diabetic patients